Juggling for a role: Locals audition for 'bad boy' roles in new Miley Cyrus film

Tybee Island resident Dallas Doiron juggles tennis balls during a casting call on River Street for a part in the Miley Cyrus movie that is scheduled to be filmed on Tybee this summer. (John Carrington/Savannah Morning News)

Savannah area resident Bob Brown juggles tennis balls during a casting call on River Street for a part in the Miley Cyrus movie that is scheduled to be filmed on Tybee this summer. (John Carrington/Savannah Morning News)

Casting director Jackie Burch held auditions on River Street for a handful of young men interested in a part in the upcoming Miley Cyrus movie. Juggling was one of the requirements for the part. (John Carrington/Savannah Morning News)

Burch said she has already replied to e-mails from about 2,000 local hopefuls. On Wednesday she was looking for two boys to fill the roles of high school-age tough guys during an open casting call at Rousakis Plaza's Arbor Stage on River Street.

Burch, who is in charge of local casting for the movie, said she expected to see only about 20 potentials. In addition to looking like a high school tough guy, the candidates had to be able to juggle and play Hacky Sack.

Doiron, who said he taught himself to juggle with friends in his basement, was the only one asked to return for another tryout with the movie's director today.

"There is a star quality to him, you can tell the camera will love him," Burch said.

Bob Brown, who graduated Sunday from Savannah Christian, was the first to show off his juggling skills.

Although he is planning to attend The University of Georgia this fall, he has not yet decided on a career.

A self-taught juggler, Brown said his reason for auditioning was the hope of adding a movie to his resume.

"This is an opportunity that doesn't come very often," he said. "At least to Savannah. If I wanted to be in another big movie, it would be New York or L.A. I appreciate them coming out here and giving us a chance."

"The Last Song" is written by acclaimed author Nicholas Sparks. Some of Sparks' other works include "The Notebook," "Message in a Bottle" and "A Walk to Remember."

This movie, written with Cyrus in mind, is intended to be her breakout role from her "Hannah Montana" character.

Cyrus will play a young woman who spends the summer with her estranged father.

Oscar-nominated actor Greg Kinnear has been cast in the role of Cyrus' father while Liam Hemsworth, an Australian actor, is slated to play her love interest.

ON THE WEB

Go to savannahnow.com to see more pictures and video from Wednesday's open casting call for "The Last Song." Also, find out how you can become part of the production, view photos and take the Miley quiz.